Make your days merry and bright this season with a festive weekend in Sturbridge, MA.
Better yet, take the holiday stress off your hands and plan to spend them with us! From traditional meals roasted over an open fire to ice skating under the city lights, you’ll find there is no place like Sturbridge for the holidays.
Sturbridge makes it easy to cross names off your gift list, even for the most difficult-to-shop-for friends. Find seasonal decor, unique collectibles, and fun stocking stuffers at Sturbridge Flea Market, browse Sadie Green’s dazzling array of sea glass and vintage-inspired jewelry and shop for a hand-sculpted, kiln-fired statement piece from Sturbridge Pottery for the fine art lover in your life.
On a cold winter’s day, nothing will warm you up better than warm sandwich or burger. Stop by Sturbridge Coffee House warm drink and a filling lunch.
This December, go back to simpler times and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. Stop by Old Sturbridge Village for Christmas by Candlelight to see how early Americans celebrated Christmas in the 1800s – during a time when the country was rapidly changing, and families had to make the most of what they had, including each other. Experience this cherished tradition of Sturbridge as you walk through the bustling town and watch its merry inhabitants tackle traditional holiday preparations, like wreath and ornament making, stocking knitting and cooking for the Christmas feast! Enjoy an enchanting stroll through the decorated town and surrounding countryside on the Christmas Tree Trail. Then warm yourself up with an inviting bonfire before going for an exhilarating ride in a horse-drawn carriage! Come join the festivities and see why Old Sturbridge Village has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families across New England.
Before you head to dinner, do your civic duty and help judge some holiday decorations. Light Up Sturbridge is a community-wide competition to find the town’s best, most impressive holiday display, as chosen by the townspeople. Grab some hot cocoa from Saw Dust Coffee House to keep you focused, and follow the map of participating houses provided on the town website. Then vote online and make your opinions known! Do you prefer a house with a thousand multi-colored lights? Or one with an army of blow-up Santas? Only you can decide.
After a long day outside, there’s no better place to warm up and chow down than Publick House, the iconic 18th-century inn that overlooks the Town Common. Step back in time at the inn’s Historic Tap Room, where guests have been dining and socializing for nearly 250 years. With its original hardwood flooring and antique “post & beam” ceiling, this room oozes colonial charm; but the real attraction is the gigantic, six-foot-long fireplace, whose open hearth will warm even the coldest of travelers. Enjoy generous portions of traditional New England comfort food, like the Yankee Pot Roast, or reserve a table for one of their legendary holiday feasts (see below).
** Insider Tip: Holidays at Publick House
It’s been a stressful year, so why not let someone else handle the hosting, cooking, and cleanup this year? Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s all at Publick House, where you can expect nothing but “good old-fashioned, home-cooked food” served in the “perfect ambiance.”
Treat yourself to a delicious, homestyle breakfast at Annie’s Country Kitchen, where they serve classic American comfort food, cooked to perfection, at an unbeatable price.
Get into the holiday spirit at Brush It Off, Sturbridge’s famous “paint and sip” studio. Stop by during the day for Open Paint hours, when you can paint your own custom ornament, figurine, and canvas masterpiece! Or simply reserve a spot in one of their group classes, where you’ll follow step-by-step professional instructions to paint a dazzling holiday scene.
Warm up with lunch at Cedar Street Café, a charming spot set inside a beautifully restored historic farmhouse. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and comforting menu, the café is the perfect midday stop during your holiday adventures. Choose from fresh sandwiches, hearty soups, and all-day breakfast favorites, and enjoy a relaxed meal that captures the cozy spirit of the season in Sturbridge.
Ice skating is a timeless holiday tradition, and there’s no better place for it than the Worcester Common Oval. Located just 25 minutes away in downtown Worcester, the oval is well worth the trip: at 12,000 square feet, it’s over 4,000 feet bigger than NYC’s famous Rockefeller Center. Rent a pair of skates, grab a treat from the snack stand, and let the holiday music and festive lights set the mood as you carve up the ice.
Get into the holiday spirit at Brush It Off, Sturbridge’s famous “paint and sip” studio. Stop by during the day for Open Paint hours, when you can paint your own custom ornament, figurine, and canvas masterpiece! Or simply reserve a spot in one of their group classes, where you’ll follow step-by-step professional instructions to paint a dazzling holiday scene.
Experience the magic of the season at Southwick’s Zoo during their Winter Wonderland event. Stroll through beautifully decorated pathways filled with festive lights, seasonal displays, and family-friendly activities. This holiday tradition offers a cheerful way to enjoy the zoo in winter, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the sights, snap photos, and celebrate the spirit of the season.
